The peacock butterfly, also called dagpauwoog, is a common butterfly found in temperate Eurasian regions. It is of the order Leptidopterae, which includes butterflies and moths and the family Nymphalidae. The peacock butterfly has bright red-orange wings that feature black eyespots with blue-purple flecks. They are so named for the eyespots that resemble the tail of a peacock. The butterfly has a wingspan of between 2 1/4 and 2 1/2 inches. Female peacock butterflies are slightly larger than males. The eyespots on the butterfly's wings provide camouflage and are thus a defense against predators.

Peacock butterflies are found in woods, meadows, pastures, parks and gardens as well as mountains, hills and lowland regions. A successful habitat has plants that adult female butterflies can lay eggs upon. These host plants will serve as food for the young caterpillars. Male peacock butterflies can be found in sunny locations where they will chase after females in an attempt to mate.